We all love summer nights spent outdoors, but could certainly do without the unbearable itch of mosquito bites. We sat down with Aaron Devencenzi, Public Information Officer of SJC Mosquito & Vector Control District, to learn more about the buzzing, itching and swatting of San Joaquin mosquitoes.
As Aaron explains, there are 17 types of species here in our county, some of which carry a host of viruses, while others are considered just a nuisance.
Aaron and the District’s primary focus are mosquitoes and mosquito-borne illnesses. To combat, the District provides vector surveillance and control services to protect residents from vector-borne diseases.
The two species abundant and of significant public health concern during warm weather in San Joaquin are the Culex tarsalis, also known as the “encephalitis mosquito” and the Culex pipiens, or the “northern house mosquito.” The northern house mosquito, appropriately named, can be found in resident’s homes, often waiting around doors and windows for an opportunity to sneak into the house for a meal. “Both species are active at dusk and into the evening,” explains Aaron, “as well as in early morning hours.”
Mosquitoes use a variety of receptors to find their victim. However, only the female mosquito bites because she needs our blood, protein and nutrients for herself and her eggs. The female mosquito detects our breath and carbon dioxide as a main attractant. As she gets closer, hormones and other chemicals produced by our skin, as well as heat from our bodies, help her to find that perfect spot to take a bite.
PREVENTION:
A person can reduce their risk of WNV infection by:
- Using a repellent containing the active ingredients DEET, Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 before going outdoors. Always follow directions on container.
- Staying indoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
- Dumping and draining water that has been standing for more than three days. This includes birdbaths, rimless tires, flower pots, buckets, other containers and anything else holding water. Report neglected swimming pools to the District. Standing water provides an ideal place for mosquitoes to lay their eggs, which increases the human risk of being bitten by a WNV infected mosquito.
- Repair broken or torn screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes from entering your home.
For More Information:
San Joaquin County Mosquito & Vector Control District
(209) 982-4675 or 1-800-300-4675
sjmosquito.org